Happy Oaks Day!
Many reminders of the religious nature of the Camino. I was trying to remember this when a man, in a rude tone, told me that "I should slow down, it would all be there when I got there." He was a long-legged fellow, say 6'2 or so and about seventy years old. This happens to be my number one pet peeve. I do walk fast...my zen pace. I wasn't crowding him out of my way. It wasn't a narrow trail. In fact, it was a wide pavement coming into town. I thought of some sarcastic things to say and tried to be on my good behavior. (translate: I wanted to bite his pointy little head off and feed it to him...it was pre-caffeine). I thanked him for his concern and told him this was my happy pace. And I took off to get away from him. He came into the bar right after me and I invited him to sit down, which he did. Turns out he was British and didn't seem to be having a good time. The most enthusiastic comment he made was that it, "would be his last (and only) Camino!" What a shame.
This little bar is in the middle of nowhere. He does a booming business.
I picnicked here on the little bench. Cheese and bread, bread and cheese...the Camino staple.
He blends right in...doesn't he?
Look at those beautiful mountains.
You never know what awaits you around the next bend of the Camino and I do so love a surprise. I rounded the corner and what do I see but a handsome knight and a magestic hawk.
He is part of the Association Gaudisse which appears to be like our Raptor Society. They rescue large birds.
I arrived in Rabanal del Camino at 14.6 miles and 33,569 steps. I went into this little chapel and said some prayers and some thanks. I couldn't find the name on it but in spite of it's small size, it was lovely.
The main chapel.
Look at this beautiful "gato". I miss my babies...all five of them.
They must have heard the dinner bell. It is not good to be superstitious in Rabanal del Camino.
There is a Benedictine monastery in Rabino del Camino. According to their website the, "Monte Irago has come to Rabanal to seek God in a concrete way amongst an ever-flowing throng of pilgrims." It is an order of silence.
The Benedictine chapel is small and tonight I am going to attend the "Blessings for the Pilgrims" at 9:30 PM. I went to this last time I was in Rabanal and remembered it as ever so special. I have been hiking day after day and wondered where this little church was.
St James
Last night as I lay sleeping
I drempt - marvelous error!
That I had a beehive here inside my heart
And the golden bees were making
White combs and sweet honey
From my old failures.
- Antnio Mechado
Spanish Poet
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